Growing Watermelon in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Watermelon (soil-match score 28/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Watermelon's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Watermelon prefers sandy soils, while Nyamira is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Watermelon's full potential is about 15,000 kg/acre (~KES 150,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Nyamira's 28/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,250 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.